Ten Apps To Help Manage Your Pod Coffee Machine
The Best Pod Coffee MachinesPod coffee makers allow you to insert a capsule containing ground or roasted coffee beans into the machine. The coffee is then poured into the machine for a specified amount of time.
Certain pod coffee machines come with various sizes of cups as well as the ability to froth milk. Choosing the best pod coffee maker depends on your personal preferences and lifestyle.
1. Keurig K-Select
If you're looking to buy a basic Keurig coffee maker without all the bells and whistles that come with more expensive models, this is a great choice. It is easy to use and has a great design. When not in use, it can be easily tucked into a corner in the kitchen.
The machine can be noisy however it's not a major problem. It's also small and will fit in small counters. However, if you want a Keurig with a larger variety of sizes, or a carafe for traditional drip brewing, think about other options.
The Keurig K-Select single serve coffee maker is a blend of sleek design and more useful features to help you brew your perfect cup every time. Choose from hundreds of delicious K-Cup pods, or brew your own ground coffee using My-K-Cup's universal coffee filter that can be reused (sold separately). The Strong Brew feature kicks up the intensity and strength of your coffee and makes it the perfect choice for coffee lovers who enjoy a bold cup.
This brewer is simple to use, with simple buttons. Simply insert the K-Cup and then select the desired size of brew, and press the brew button. In less than one minute, you can enjoy freshly brewed coffee. The large reservoir of 52 ounces lets you to brew five cups before refilling, easing your morning routine.
This machine is very easy to clean. The water reservoir and lid can be cleaned and removed by hand. However, it is recommended to remove the scale from your Keurig before cleaning it, and follow the guidelines in the user's manual to ensure that your machine is working at its best. This warranty covers the brewer as well as the original accessories, with the exception of for normal wear and tear, damage due to abuse or misuse, and any external causes of failure like power outages.
2. Tassimo My Way
This is the ideal choice for coffee lovers who want a machine that does more than just make your typical cup. It can make a variety of drinks, including tea and hot cocoa. The huge 1.3-litre water tank lets multiple cups to be brewed at the same time. The machine can be heated up in three seconds, and it has a built-in milk container that allows you to make latte and cappuccino. It also has a touch-sensitive display which lets you adjust the temperature, intensity and volume of your chosen beverage.
Tassimo My Way uses T Discs, which are a set of ingredients that can be used to create your drink. There are more than 70 different varieties to choose from, ranging from brands such as Kenco and Costa to Costa, Milka and Cadbury's. The machine also provides a selection of T Discs for hot chocolate and tea as well.
The coffee that was produced by this machine was of high quality, but slightly less than some of the other machines we have reviewed. It also gave a smooth mouthfeel and steamed milk to make caffe lattes fast. However, it must be noted that the frothy milk made from T Discs is a source of sugar that, while not a huge issue in itself however, may not be to everyone's liking.
The Tassimo My Way is easy to keep clean, with the drip tray, the removable parts of the brewing unit as well as the water tank all being dishwasher-safe. A Brita filter is included, as well as an ice-cleaning disk. A helpful indicator light will inform you when it's time to descale, and the water tank keeps the limescale to a minimum. The machine is classified as Energy Star, which helps reduce the power consumption of up to 15%.
3. Lavazza Lungo Pod Machine
This Nespresso pod coffee machine was designed in collaboration with Sage by Lavazza is one of the most attractive machines available. The machine is constructed of tough and attractive materials. It has a neat steam wand that can be adjusted to make cappuccinos and lattes, and a stainless-steel milk jug. Place a pod into the machine and choose the cup size and the machine will whir into action brewing espresso, lungo, double espresso gran lungo, alto drinks and mugs with a thick layer of silky frosting.
As with most pod machines you load the pod via an opening on the top and drop it in place. The machine pierces the capsule before closing it so that when you press the lever, the pod falls into a dedicated empty pod tray underneath the drip tray.
It's not the fastest machine to make coffee, taking 30 seconds for an espresso shot and 90 seconds for a lungo but the results are consistently impressive, with a great crema and a smooth, rich taste. The machine also alerts you when the water tank or pod bin requires refilling.
One of the main selling points for this machine is that it can use it with any Lavazza brand pod There are seven in total including espresso ground (Qualita Rossa, Intenso, Passionale and Delizioso), two decaffeinated (Dek Cremoso) and two organic coffees (!Tierra! Bio). It's not cheap, but with the subscription deal that bundles this pod coffee machine with the delivery of pods that can come at a similar price to a regular bean-to-cup machine. The slim design of this machine makes it possible to fit into even the tiniest kitchens. The pods are also recyclable, so you can place them in your council food bins or garden compost.
4. Nespresso Vertuo Pod Machine
Nespresso machines are the best pods coffee makers for those looking for a reliable, speedy and consistently brewed cup. They heat quickly and are simple to use. Just insert a capsule and press a button, and you're done. They also produce a rich crema that you can add to your drinks to add flavour and thickness. They're not cheap, though, and you have to purchase their official pods.
The Vertuo line utilizes an entirely different method of technology from OriginalLine machines that work with espresso capsules (and remain in operation). They read the barcode of each capsule, automatically adapting the brewing parameters to make the perfect cup. And they include a centrifusion system that spins the capsule to get the fullest flavors and thickest crema.
The machines aren't quite as intuitive as the other options. For instance the lid opens only when the machine is in its final stages, and it takes 30 minutes to heat up enough to be able to fit into a capsule. It doesn't include milk frothers, as do some of the other pod machines in this list. You'll have spend an extra PS90 to buy a separate Aeroccino to make cappuccinos and lattes.
They also require more maintenance than other models - filling the water tank, emptying the pod containers used for descaling - but they have an app that reminds you to complete these tasks, and offers tools like store locators and capsule recyclers. If you pair your machine with an IntelliPort you can operate it using voice commands which is a nice feature for those who make coffee in the dark at 4am or have weak hands.
5. SMEG Barista Pod Machine
This sleek pod machine is the product of an adored Italian brand, and a renowned company that makes kitchen appliances. It features all the retro, sleek curves that SMEG is famous for, and the ability to make espresso and lungo drinks effortlessly. It also comes with a shot setting that is programmable as well as dual-height drip trays and a pod bin that can be removed.
This coffee pod coffee machine maker makes it easy to whip up one-shot or double-shot espresso in the morning, or for a lungo during breaks at work. Its simple control panel looks elegant and doesn't hinder its function. If you're looking to spice your morning joe more, it has three different filter baskets that accommodate different types of capsules. You can even use ground beans that are loose (although you'll need an additional grinder).
The SMEG Barista Pod Machine doesn't have a milk pitcher, however, it has a built-in Pannarello milk frother that can froth both cow and soymilk quite beautifully. It also has the portafilter 51mm, which is smaller than a conventional commercial-style filter. It's also pressurized and this is a plus since it eliminates that stale, leftover grind taste. It comes with a plastic tamper which can also be used as spoon.
The SMEG is among the most expensive pod machines on our list however it's certainly worth it if your a fan of the retro look or if you like being able to quickly whip up espresso-based drinks. It's also a great choice if you're new to the world of coffee and don't want to go through the hassles of measuring, grinding and tamping your own beans.